
OUR RECOVERY IN COLOR:
The Twelve Steps for All People of Color
Our Recovery In Color is the first book of its kind that explains the fundamental concepts of recovery for all People of Color. It features an in-depth exploration of the 12 steps originated in the Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship in contemporary language. Our Recovery In Color also addresses racism and the trauma it generates as a core issue for all people of color in the western world. Each chapter includes the success story of a BIPOC member of several recovery fellowships as a living demonstration that the power of long term recovery is available for all of us. Whether you are seeking help with an addiction for the first time, an “old-timer” looking for insights from a BIPOC perspective, or a professional in the field, this book can serve as a resource for all people of color who want to recover from addiction and live the fullest, most joyful life possible.
EARLY ENDORSEMENTS
If you are serious about getting sober, getting well, and never needing to drink, drug or practice any addiction again, or if you want to help those who are going through this process, this book provides a framework to understand and integrate the varied experiences of People of Color in working the steps. This information is not just important. It is critical to creating a foundation of healing that serves all people.
~ Don Coyhis, Founder of The Wellbriety Movement
This important work celebrates the fact that for generations bodies of culture have achieved long-term sobriety in Twelve Step recovery. Kimberly illustrates, in accessible and contemporary language, how using these well-tested tools can help us heal. She shines a much-needed light on the importance of addressing complex racial trauma as an essential aspect of recovery of bodies of culture, and welcomes all of us into the circle where healing begins.
~ Resmaa Menakem, Author of My Grandmother’s Hands and The Quaking of America
As spokesperson for Millati Islami I have had detailed discourse with the writer and my experience has been refreshing and invigorating as her approach to sharing and caring are blended in a collaboration of wisdom and experience. It is our hope that this material will perpetually serve as a tool of light that will illuminate a path of freedom for all who are struggling and are part of the struggle to fight this War On Addiction.
~ Jory Kareem, Chairman of Millati Islami
Our Recovery in Color is a groundbreaking contribution to the recovery movement. As a woman in long-term recovery and as someone who works every day to support East African and Muslim communities, I know how deeply racism, stigma, and cultural shame shape our healing journeys. Kimberly has given us a resource that does not erase our lived experiences as people of color, but instead places them at the very center of recovery. This book speaks directly to the pain of racialized trauma, the resilience of our communities, and the hope that comes from walking the Twelve Steps with honesty and courage. It is both practical and deeply affirming—a guide for individuals in recovery, and a vital tool for professionals, families, and communities.
I wholeheartedly endorse this book because I see its power to heal, to empower, and to remind us that recovery in color is not only possible—it is our birthright, Marsha’Allah.
~ Farhia Budul, LADC, Recovery Advocate & Founder of Niyyah Recovery Initiative
Many People of Color have faced extra challenges in Recovery. This is sad and wrong. Also, many people have been resistant to consider Twelve Step Recovery because some of the language is antiquated and some of the concepts hard to understand. Kimberly has done a wonderful job in addressing both issues. She has experienced racism herself and offers great wisdom in helping others who are dealing with it in their Recovery. She also explains the Twelve Steps in language that is easier to understand for a younger generation. Thank you, Kimberly, for your important contribution.
~ Tim Fletcher, Founder and President of RE/ACT (Recovery Education for Addictions and Complex Trauma)
Thank you Kimberly, for developing such an essential tome for BIPOC recovery! Following the well-trod journey of the Twelve Steps with an honest rendering of the relentless negative impact of racism, this book offers a compassionate, creative, and practical avenue for healing. It embodies inclusive community by incorporating poignant, familiar, and familial stories of belonging, struggle, human connection, and growth.
~ Margaret Benson Thompson, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area. has provided psychotherapy to BIPOC, Queer, and Recovery communities for over 30 years. She was Adjunct Faculty at Palo Alto University for 8 years.
